1.3.1.5. It extends geographical reach - to anyone with an Internet connection and computer.

1.3.1.6. It provides greater flexibility to arrange sessions cost-effectively without participants having to travel, as well as providing potential savings in travel costs.

1.3.1.7. It can be used in a multitude of ways in addition to teaching, learning and assessment e.g. to support collaborative working (thereby potentially increasing staff efficiency), running of online conferences, socialising, staff professional development and “web-casting” of workshops, seminars, interviews etc.

1.3.1.8. It can be combined and integrated (or "blended") with other e-learning methods e.g. VLEs, asynchronous discussions, wikis.

1.3.1.9. It is a multi-platform device e.g. PCs, Apples, Linux-based, Tablets systems therefore most participants are likely to be able to access it.

1.3.2. Disadvantages

1.3.2.1. Unsatisfactory meeting sessions can result from poor preparation in respect of technology set-up, training (for hosts, presenters and participants) and meeting design.

1.3.2.2. Using an online system where other methods e.g. face-to-face would be more appropriate

1.4. The need for this Guide - a focus on engagement

1.4.1. Learning and familiarisation with Adobe Connect

1.4.1.1. There is a need to learn and become familiar with a range of tools within Adobe Connect so that their use becomes second nature. A good analogy is with driving a car - once people have mastered the use of the controls, they become second nature, but in the early days of learning, one has to consciously think about using the controls such as the clutch pedal.

1.4.2. Technical issues

1.4.2.1. There can be technical problems, particularly for those who have not experienced Adobe Connect previously. Sorting out such problems out can eat into the time of a live session and become frustrating for everyone. Audio/video issues are the most likely source of technical problems.

1.4.3. Preparing, structuring and planning Elluminate sessions

1.4.3.1. It is not unusual for those running an Adobe Connect session to prepare insufficiently, structure and plan their session. It could be said that Elluminate has a tendency to “amplify” either existing good or bad practice and poor preparation is likely to be “exposed” in the virtual environment.

1.4.4. Drawing on existing good practice

1.4.4.1. Users can have a tendency not to draw on what is basic good practice in more traditional scenarios and apply it within the Adobe Connect environment. In other words, if a tutor is effective at running workshops and seminars that engage students, they should draw on their practice and techniques and apply them appropriately within the Elluminate environment.